PLA (Polylactic acid)

PLA (Polylactic acid) is a plant-based polyester. It is plant starch from corn, sugar cane, sugar beet, and more.

PLA is one of the most popular filaments used for 3D printing with FDM printers.

NOTE:

• All temps are in degrees C
• Printers may be off by 10 degrees

WARNING - PLA is much less toxic than materials like ABS but the fumes are still toxic.

Features

• Easy to print - one of the easiest filaments to print with

• Great for beginners

• Very strong (but rigid / Brittle / inflexible) - Beats ABS and PETG for strength but breaks instead of flexing
• Not great for excessive wear
• Low melting point ~175 ( pro/con easy to print but deforms )
• Low temperature resistance - Deforms with heat over 60
• Low UV resistance
• Good detail
• Low odor but still has toxic fumes
• Low warping
• Chemical resistant - not soluble with common solvents
• Weaker layer adhesion
• Can sand with wet sandpaper
• Can print fast with low temperatures
• Low price
• Biologically degradable ( in facilities with temps over 80 )

Use For

• Large and small models
• Decorations
• Indoor parts without excessive / prolonged force or temp over ambient
• prototypes, decorative items

Printing Info

Common Setting ( ex. Hatchbox and Amazon Basics )

• Nozzle Temp: 215 for the first layer and 210 for all other layers
• Bed Temp: 60

Exact recommended temperature will depend on the brand of PLA.

Melting point	~175
Nozzle Temp	185-235
Bed Temp	50-60
Enclosure	not needed
Heat bed	not needed, can use optionally
Dry box	not needed ( almost always )